The world, writ large
We don’t see enough in the media about the special relationship between the soldier/ Marines and Iraqi children. Soldiers in Ramadi tell me that the kids aren’t afraid of the US military as the kids know that even in a gun battle the soldiers always avoid hurting children.
Throwing candy to the kids is disallowed because that would draw kids out into the street when Humvies are going by. But the kids do make signals that they want soccer balls thrown out to them and smile and wave at the convoys. They also climb and hang on the soldiers and Marines on foot patrol.
Also not reported enough are the many thanks our forces get from the local Iraqis for being here and saving them from being overrun by AQI.